Nuffield Family Justice Observatory publishes the report Remote hearings in the family court post pandemic

The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory (NFJO) has today published the report Remote hearings in the family court post pandemic (external link, opens in a new tab).

In June 2021, in anticipation of the easing of social distancing restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the President of the Family Division asked the NFJO to undertake a rapid consultation to help inform the post pandemic recovery plans of the Family Court and the Court of Protection. The consultation ran from 10 June– 27 June and more than 3,200 people responded.

The President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane said in response to the report: “I am extremely grateful to the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory for producing this impressive body of work. It is vital that, as COVID restrictions are lifted, we adapt to ensure the Family Justice System excels.

“This report considers our remote working practices and allows us to review what we should, and should not, maintain after the pandemic. Importantly the report gives the perspective of a range of those involved in family justice, including parents and professionals.”